Roaming over the Scottish Highlands is a sturdy pony that has thrived among the rugged, rocky coastline, lochs and windswept valleys for centuries: the Highland Pony. The breed developed from a pre-historic pony that received an influx of different blood over time, depending on which army was conquering the area. The extinct Galloway Pony features heavily in the breed’s bloodlines. The regional isolation resulted in different strains of the Highland, including the Islay, Rhum, Mull and Barra strains. These strong native ponies were originally bred to help farmers pack game out of the mountains.
The Highland is a popular trekking and packing pony. Queen Elizabeth II has a working stud at Balmoral in Scotland. The ponies are used as pack animals for hunters and picnickers.
The breed stands 13 to 14.2 hands high and is found in a variety of coat colors, including dun, gray, brown, black, chestnut and cream. Some will have dorsal, zebra or shoulder stripes.
Back to Treasure of the Isles >>
Road to the Horse is an exciting, unique colt-starting event, dedicated to changing people’s ideas and creating a better world…
Lexington, Ky. — Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2…
Stay up to date on the action from the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including…
Ryan Rose got bit by the cowboy bug early in life. "My love of horses started when I was a…
While draft horses come in many shapes and sizes, from the gigantic Shire to the smaller Haflinger, most have something…
Flopping ears bounce with every step down the trail as a string of six mules begin the trek from the…